The Universal Kabbalah Part 2 - The Tree of Life

THE UNIVERSAL KABBALAH

The Tree Of Life: Part II

by Verla Wade

The Kabbalah is a practical spiritual system that can explain the origin of our universe as well as the most intimate part of each of us. As referred to in the last article, it is literally our instruction manual for life, which teaches us how to become a co-creator and awaken our inner power to change the world we live in.

The Universal Kabbalah predates all religion and theology. According to ancient Kabalistic tradition, the Archangels gave these teachings to Adam and Eve after they left the Garden of Eden, to ensure their return to the Garden. At the heart of the Kabalistic teachings is the diagram referred to as The Tree of Life. This glyph is actually a map, and those who how to interpret and apply it’s symbology have the keys to true ascension. As the Tree of Life is activated within your life, it literally awakens your consciousness to full Divinity.

The symbology of this map is almost infinite. Almost every major civilization has utilized aspects of the Kabbalah and its primary image, the Tree of Life; particularly the Egyptian and Hebrew traditions. Fortunately, it is not necessary to be fluent in Egyptian, Hebrew, or the ancient languages of Sanskrit or Aramaic to be able to understand and work with the Kabbalah and the Tree.

One of the remarkable things about this map is that is leads to the buried treasures within us, which when found, will enhance and fulfill our lives. Kabbalah, and the Tree of Life, are dual in nature. They tell the story of how the universe was formed and how we arrived here, how the forces of creation manifest within us, as well as instructions for the return trip home. The Tree of Life is literally our treasure map because it provides the best way for Westerners to discover who we are and to assist us in progressing and evolving spiritually.

Kabbalah teaches that the Universe came forth out of Nothingness – physics has named the point of expansion from nothing into something the ‘Big Bang’. Kabbalah has stated for thousands of years that as the originating energy came into being, it underwent ten stages of manifestation – nine stages of compacting, condensing and channeling the divine energy to manifest all matter and life upon the earth into the physical as it completed the tenth stage. This process of coming into the material is referred to as The Path of the Flaming Sword. (See diagram)

The Flaming Sword ends in the sphere called Malkuth. This is the level of our normal waking consciousness. It is the earth – the physical world we live in now. And so this marks the beginning point of the return journey; the ‘ascension process’ if you will.

The Kabbalah has traditionally been presented as mysterious and complex. And many authors who have written about the Kabbalah can be challenging, if not difficult, to read; combined with the fact that it appears to have such a broad application, with so may ideas, forces, and correlations, it can seem undecipherable. And yet this material can be understood and accessed through the Universal Kabbalah, where you are given the keys to unlock the mysteries for yourself. Through this approach, you find the Treasurehouse of understanding yourself on all levels – physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual.

The most wonderful thing about this map called the Tree of Life, is that it adapts itself to each individual. In fact, it is only as complicated as you let it be. So you can take the route that best suits you – being as safe or as adventurous as you desire. It encompasses all spiritual beliefs and systems, from religion to philosophy, and everything in between. And the remarkable thing is that no matter how you follow the map, it will lead you to the treasures within!

The Tree of Life is often referred to as the microcosmic and macrocosmic view of the universe. What this means is that while the Tree itself represents successive phases of evolution of the universe, it also represents the energies within you. It literally can be used as a diagnostic instrument. The idea of working with the Kabbalah and the Tree is to expand your awareness of the universe as well as to awaken your awareness of who you truly are and what your purpose is for being here.

The Kabalistic approach to life brings the spiritual into relationship with regular daily life, as well harmonizing your inner and outer self. One of the key applications of Kabbalah is to discover your true spiritual nature and then to manifest it in your daily life. From it’s most ancient roots, Kabbalah as been a very practical approach to personal and spiritual growth. This approach results in health, joy, and prosperity.

We are coming to understand that everyone and everything on our planet is interconnected. There is a developing ‘global consciousness’. Many of us want to make a difference in the world, and have the sense that we are here for a specific purpose. Kabbalah shows us the way. It helps each person uncover who you really are and what you are here to do (Kabbalah calls this The Great Work). Whether you want to heal yourself or heal the planet, the Kabbalah and the Tree of Life offers guidance. At the very core of all healing as well as all contribution, is knowing oneself. To know yourself is to bring meaning and purpose to your life, which creates an environment for living life in accord with others, while attaining the best of who you are.